Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Mr. Li, are you really not considering Stallone's house? Now is the best time to buy it. The stock market crash has a great impact on celebrities. You know that Hollywood actors all have cash flow syndrome. If they don't improve their living standards as soon as they get their pay, they will be seen as out of date."

Ronald, who had just returned to Los Angeles, was approached by the real estate agent. Ronald happened to be going to Beverly Hills to meet Demi Moore, so the real estate agent shamelessly asked to go with him and introduce Ronald to a good house on the spot.

"You drive your own car and follow us, but you can't disturb me when I'm doing things. Just wait for me near the tram line. After I finish my work, if I'm free, you can introduce me to it."

Ronald was impressed by the real estate agent's perseverance, so he let him follow him, but he couldn't follow him to the end. If he found out who he was going to meet, who knew if they would sell the news of their meeting to the tabloids?

"No problem, no problem, you can trust my integrity, Mr. Li."

The agent was very happy and immediately turned around to drive his Honda car. Following behind Bud's car.

"You wait here, Bud, buy him a cup of coffee, I'll come back after I finish my business."

Arriving at the gate of Beverly Hills, Ronald left his agent and Bud in the lobby cafe of the nearby Waldorf Astoria Hotel, drove his own car, bypassed the Beverly Hills Property Management Company located at the foot of the mountain, turned a corner, and officially arrived at the jurisdiction of the Beverly Hills Post Office, the area with the zip code of 90210.

This zip code area is rated by the Guinness World Records as the place with the highest density of stars in the world.

Ronald's car stopped at the "Pink Palace", the nickname of the most famous Beverly Hotel in Beverly Hills. This hotel is famous for its pink walls. You can take a photo with the white sign of Beverly Hills at the door. It is also Marilyn Monroe's favorite residence. Until today, fans from all over the world come to track the traces of their idols.

Ronald took off his sunglasses, revealed his identity to the waiter, and was then invited by the waiter to the "Polo Corridor" bar in the hotel, where the martinis are very famous.

"Ronnie, here."

Demi Moore sat in a corner and raised her hand to signal Ronald. She arrived early.

Ronald raised his hand to signal. It had been a long time since he heard Demi's magnetic voice. At first glance, it was as if he had returned to the time when he took a photo of her and heard it for the first time. It was slightly hoarse and very gentle, as if scratching his heart with his fingernails, tempting him to commit a crime.

Quickly collecting his mind, Ronald went over and sat opposite Demi. Today she was wearing all white, and the smile on her face seemed more sincere and happy than before.

It seemed that she, who exuded femininity from head to toe, was indeed a perfect match for a traditional American rough man like Bruce Willis.

"Where's Bruce?" Ronald looked around.

"He went to drink beer with his friends and watch football." Demi said faintly, took Ronald's martini from the waiter, and slowly pushed it in front of him.

Ronald looked at her snow-white arms and neck, took the martini and drank two sips quickly to hide his reaction.

"Hehehe..." Demi Moore was very satisfied with her charm.

"Give me another one, shaken, not stirred." Ronald handed the empty glass to the waiter.

The two chatted about some random things, and Demi Moore couldn't help it.

"Don't you want to start this project as soon as possible? I know you and Joel Silver are both trying hard to find a male lead. I can find a way to get Bruce to stop filming 'Blue Moonlight' and give you at least two months."

"I said, the heroine of that movie is not suitable for you." Ronald smiled, "If you want something else, I can do it."

"You don't seem to be in a hurry. Your new movie will be released at the end of the year. You shouldn't have this expression when there is no new movie. Have you heard any news about Sybil Shepherd?"

Demi suddenly stretched her head over and lowered her voice, trying to find out how much Ronald knew and how much her chips were worth.

"Shepherd, what does it have to do with her?" Ronald really didn't know that what Demi Moore said was related to Bruce Willis' partner, the heroine of "Blue Moonlight". A good smell of perfume came over. Ronald shrank back.

"Humph, coward." Demi stepped back a little, "You really don't know? As a director, you are very persistent and aggressive in your projects. Who in Hollywood doesn't know that? Do you want to give up this project?"

Demi Moore continued to ask questions. She was not sure whether Ronald was really not that interested, or pretended to be indifferent to lower his offer.

"Actually, I do have the idea of ​​giving up." Ronald took some nuts and put them in his mouth. "My new film "Moonlight Temptation" has been scheduled to be released at the end of the year. There is a lot of marketing work to be done in the next two months, and my company is also involved in the filming of promotional shorts.

So, I am afraid I don't have too much energy to fully devote myself to directing the film. So Joel and I are inclined to wait until next summer when Bruce finishes filming to shoot."

Ronald shrugged his shoulders. After making a fortune in Japan, he transferred the profits back to America and bought all the stocks of Coca-Cola and Berkshire Hathaway.

Now as long as I show my identity as the director of "Top Gun" or "Dirty Dancing", there will definitely be an audience to express their gratitude. Presumably it is not impossible for these two movies to be circulated for twenty years and still be remembered by audiences.

Ronald felt that he was not as motivated as before. The financial satisfaction and the love of the audience made him feel that his dream back then had come true. Therefore, he is not too anxious about Bruce Willis's schedule. Slowing down and enjoying life is the reward for his hard work, isn't it?

"Really?" Demi felt a little discouraged when she saw that Ronald didn't look like he was lying. His own stardom has encountered a bottleneck. The thriller "The Seventh Seal" filmed in the first half of this year is not the kind of movie that will be highly rated by audiences. I urgently need to play a heroine in a traditional action movie, police movie, or romance movie, even if it is a vase, I want to be remembered by the audience.

"If I were to devote my energy to marketing while filming, I would probably have to go to promote the movie right after I finished shooting. The schedule was so tight that I didn't leave any room for mistakes. In fact, Joel (· Silver) has also contacted other directors, and I may quit directing and only serve as a producer."

"Then if I give you a way so that Bruce can suspend filming and immediately start preparing for a new film, will you be willing to repay me even if you are only a producer and not a director?"

At the critical moment, Demi Moore's motivation to climb up as a person at the bottom of society emerged again. She got right to the point, asking what Ronald could get in return.

"My new company will have some new films, see if you are interested. If you are interested in new projects from Paramount, Universal, Columbia, or even Fox, I can also add weight to the casting scale at critical moments. code.

I can't guarantee any specific projects, but you can reap the benefits of my commitment and friendship. "

"Deal", Demi Moore immediately raised her hand and shook hands with Ronald, as if she was afraid that he would regret it.

"Deal", Ronald felt the warmth from his soft little hands. Demi Moore's ambition is still worthy of praise.

"I told you, Sybill Shepherd, the lead actress in the TV show 'Blue Moonlight', is pregnant."

"This news is not worth so much." When Ronald heard this, he felt that the news was not valuable.

"Wait, I haven't finished speaking yet." Demi Moore lowered her voice, covered her mouth with her hand and said in Ronald's ear:

"Her younger husband, Oppenheimer, a plastic surgeon, really didn't want her to continue filming the TV series. When Bruce and I were attending a party on the set, I overheard Oppenheimer asking her to stop filming and recuperate. . There was a lot of quarrel between the two in the locker room.”

Demi Moore reveals a secret she "overheard".

It turns out that Sybil Shepherd really wanted to live with Oppenheimer, who was much younger than her. At the age of 37, she still had a baby with her husband despite the danger.

But on the other hand, her acting career has also reached a critical moment. If she proposes to stop filming, the producers will definitely be very dissatisfied, and there may not be another season of Blue Moonlight.

Oppenheimer felt sorry for Sybil and her unborn child, so he wanted to find a way for Sybil to continue filming without taking risks, and to have the baby safely at home.

But Sybil Shepherd knew very well that her wealth had suffered a lot in the stock market crash. If she didn't grit her teeth and insist on finishing the filming, she didn't know when she would receive such a high-paying TV series again. .

The last thing a celebrity can do is to significantly lower his or her living standards. In this case, everyone in Hollywood will know that you are short of money and will take the opportunity to lower the price.

Demi Moore is very clear about the affairs of these actors. She knows that Sybil will definitely persist. As long as Ronald can find some opportunity for the audience to discover Shepard's pregnancy, then the pressure from the audience and public opinion will follow. It will press over

The crew can't pretend they don't know about the pregnancy like they do now. They have to really react, which may be to stop filming.

In this way, Bruce Willis's schedule will be freed up, and she, Demi Moore, will be able to get Ronald's promise and take the lead in the future battle for the heroine.

Anyway, Ronald is famous for his lack of empathy when it comes to casting. Her real purpose is to exchange for heroines in other future movies.

"This..." After hearing this, Ronald frowned and hesitated very much. This kind of thing is the actor's own choice. If he deliberately uses this method to expose other people's privacy for the sake of filming a movie, it is tantamount to destroying the other person's acting career, and may even cost his family.

"Why, are you pitying her? Sybil was a beautiful woman who was fascinated by the famous director Peter Bogdanovich and abandoned his wife. She also likes someone younger than him. If you are willing, she will definitely be willing to be young again. A feat of time." Demi touched Ronald with her hand half-jokingly.

"Don't make such a joke, it's not funny at all." Ronald slapped the back of her hand with his backhand.

"Ouch..." Demi exclaimed exaggeratedly, her eyes filled with water, and she said to Ronald funnyly, if you are willing, I can abandon Bruce for you.

"Let's put it this way, Demi, what if it was you?" Ronald said to Demi seriously, "What if you were pregnant and the news leaked and you couldn't film the role you wanted?"

"Then I'll kill her!" Demi Moore's eyes twitched, and then she retracted her hand. "I know, Ronald, you are a very nice person, and you have a career foundation, but I am different. I really don't want to be a housewife after marrying Bruce. I don't want to."

"I know, you will definitely find a suitable role successfully." Ronald knew long ago that she was not someone who would follow behind a male star and be a "former female star" wife.

"What about our agreement? I haven't told anyone about this news."

"I will ask Joel Silver to see if he can contact Sybil. I still appreciate your idea, but in this kind of thing, the person involved must be given a chance to choose."

Ronald did not completely deny Demi's idea, and asked Joel Silver to talk to Sybil Shepherd. If she was willing to withdraw from the pregnancy, Silver could also give her a certain amount of compensation based on his connections.

"Okay, I believe you." Demi Moore knew that Ronald would definitely do what he promised, so she was relieved. The price of this secret was good.

"Waiter, give me another martini," Demi asked the waiter to bring me a new martini, then took a big sip.

"There's one more thing I didn't tell you, Ronnie." Demi squinted at Ronald.

"What?" Ronald thought Demi's negotiation rhythm was really good.

Demi came closer again, "Sybil is pregnant with twins, she is at great risk."

"Oh," Ronald understood. Twins are especially dangerous for older mothers, so the possibility of persuading Sybil to cooperate is increased.

Demi really had a trick up her sleeve.

...

After parting with Demi Moore, Ronald drove back to the cafe where Little Bud was.

The real estate agent immediately stood up to greet him, "Mr. Li, can we go and look at the houses? I have the keys to several houses for sale. We can go there anytime."

"I have to meet other people today. Do you have any good houses in the mountains?"

"Yes, there are many. There are many good houses in Beverly Hills, near Beverly Gardens, and on the nearby Bedford Avenue. But the best location is still North Alpine Road."

This time, the agent got into Ronald's car, and Little Bud drove up the mountain.

In a city like Los Angeles where people dress very personalized, especially near Hollywood, there are often pedestrians wearing colorful and strange clothes passing by. Residents have long been accustomed to it.

Ronald looked at the real estate agent in a suit and tie, with his hair neatly combed, who was out of tune with the surroundings, and couldn't help but feel that he was still in New York.

"North Alps Road is a dead end, so it's very quiet. Usually, no passersby pass by. And paparazzi, tabloid reporters, and fans who come to worship idols, won't come here."

"Why?" Ronald looked at the houses here, which were very quiet and old, and his heart relaxed inadvertently. He had the idea of ​​buying a house here. But when he heard the agent say that, he was a little puzzled. Why would these people who chase stars not come here just because of a dead end?

"Because the stars of the golden age live here, and fans and reporters don't chase them much."

The real estate agent took out a key and opened the door of a beautiful house.

All houses sold on the market will have their door locks replaced with this style specially provided by the real estate union. Any real estate agent belonging to the union can open the door and enter.

"This place is really nice." Ronald climbed to the second floor of the house. There is an outdoor swimming pool here. If there is a party, the neighbors may have to use binoculars to see it clearly.

"This used to be the residence of Milton Berle, a comedy star in the golden age. Unfortunately, his wife got seriously ill and couldn't live at home. She had to be transferred to a long-term ward, so he wanted to sell this place and exchange it for an apartment closer to the hospital." The real estate agent explained quickly. He saw Ronald's face and was satisfied with this house.

"If you want to see other suitable houses, there are two luxury houses concentrated in the west of the mountain, Valley Avenue and Bel Air. The environment there is more quiet, the scenery is better (because it is higher), and of course the price is a little more expensive."

"Then go and have a look." Ronald heard that there were better ones, and he was also tempted. The luxury houses here are all from many years ago, and someone has to sell them before you can buy them.

"Ronald, is that you?"

Just after walking out of the door, an old man from the neighbor's house slowly walked out with a cane, speaking with a strong German accent, and said to Ronald.

"Ah?" Ronald seemed to be familiar with the person and walked over quickly.

"Mr. Wilder?" Ronald came closer and recognized that the neighbor lived in the famous director, Billy Wilder, whom he had met once.

"It's you, I saw you just now." Billy Wilder was in good health and strong except that his legs were a little slow.

"Do you live here? That's really a coincidence. You must be very comfortable living here." Ronald complimented. The house here is not for ordinary people to live in. You must be famous early, rich, and have a position in the industry to live in this place where celebrities gather.

"Hey, this crappy place, I spend half of my time in Europe because it's too troublesome." Billy Wilder began to complain.

It turns out that this kind of mansion is too quiet, so there is no place for low-income people working in the service industry to live around. All gardeners, servants, and housekeepers have to be hired at much higher wages than outside.

In addition, various laws stipulate that the lawn of the garden must be kept beautiful, and the grass must not be exposed or too tall. Billy Wilder and his wife were annoyed by these trivial matters and hid in Europe most of the time.

"Young people don't think so. Anyway, you have endless energy. It's really too much trouble for us."

"Uh..." Ronald thought to himself, I didn't expect that a residence that is too quiet would also have problems. After Wilder said that, it seems that this is a property with more disadvantages than advantages for me.

Maybe it's because I'm still from the bottom of the society. When I hold a party or invite neighbors to dinner, I have to go to great lengths to ask the chef to prepare a lonely big house. It's not as suitable for me as a loft suite in the city.

It seems that being able to go downstairs to buy a cup of coffee and practice Tai Chi with neighbors is the lifestyle I'm used to.

"What's the name of the place where you drink coffee?" Ronald recalled the place where the agent and Little Bud drank coffee just now, which seemed quite comfortable.

"Beverly Apartments, there are many luxury apartments, next to Rodeo Drive, a street of boutiques, and on the other side is the Beverly Farmers Market where farmers from the surrounding area come to sell vegetables."

"Well, you look for good houses there, I want to buy a few." Ronald felt that there was still a sense of fireworks there, and gave the agent a task.

"I still have to go to the editing room to see, if you have any news, send the photos to my agent Richard."

Little Bud smiled and opened the car door for Ronald, then stepped on the accelerator and went to the editing room where Walter Murch worked.

"No problem, Mr. Li, I will do it. I will book all the good houses in the Beverly Apartments area for you..."

The real estate agent was still shouting behind the car, causing the young people playing skateboards around to cast surprised eyes.